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Grand Theft Auto 4

BEST IN SHOW It’s been a helluva year. 2008 has been a time of significant global change, socially, politically and culturally, with Scotland no exception. So here, for your delectation, is The List’s pick of the 100 people, places and things that rocked our world over the last 12 months. Most of them are Scots, whether native or adopted, and all contributed positively in some way to our culture. Let us know of anyone we missed out or misjudged at letters@list.co.uk

100 Drums of Death TECHNO WARRIOR

With his Grim Reaper-esque onstage persona, Drums of Death (aka Colin Bailey) mixes techno with grime for a unique take on electronica. His dark hybrid productions and blistering live shows have led to him working with Peaches and touring the US with Hot Chip. (HN)

99 Richard Wilson GRUMPY OLD DUDE

He may have taken a fair bit of

18 THE LIST 11 Dec 2008–8 Jan 2009

persuasion to take on the role, but as Merlin’s mentor, Gaius, Wilson has revelled in swooshing around in a robe and thick Grace Kelly-like blonde hair. And those respectable ratings figures must have helped his mood. (BD)

98 The Parsonage POP CHOIR

In their short life they’ve recorded with Echo and the Bunnymen, appeared onstage at Hampden with Rod Stewart and released their debut EP This Ain’t No Lovey Dovey on

Optimo’s OSCarr label. The 40-strong Glasgow folk choir’s live reputation has only swelled this year, culminating in a Hank Williams tribute show in November. (DP)

97 Keith Fleming PEERLESS PERFORMER

Following on from his joint CATS award-winning turn as young Peer in Dundee Rep’s Peer Gynt, this stalwart of the Rep’s ensemble was nominated as best actor in the UK-wide TMA Theatre Awards for the same role. Fleming won plaudits as Eilif in the Rep’s Mother Courage and Her Children, and starred in Trumpets and Raspberries at the Royal Lyceum. (AR)

96 Mark Beaumont RECORD BREAKING CYCLIST

In February of this year the Fifer completed a remarkable round-the- world expedition, breaking the Guinness world record by cycling a mind-boggling 18,000+ miles in 194 days. The 25-year-old pedalled from Paris through Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australasia and the US, suffering dysentry en route, but beating the previous record by an astounding 80 days. (DA)